Author's Note: I promise I haven't left! I would never leave! I have way too many exciting surprises in store for you guys and this story :D I'm really excited about it! So here I am like promised :D So sorry about the delay, I could list a billion things that were truthfully holding me back but I won't bore you anymore than necessary XD So when we left off last time, Simza returned! It seems all of you have some sort of idea of who the lady in blue is, I've got many different responses but I'm not saying a word except for… YOU FIND OUT WHO SHE IS NEXT CHAPTER! That's right, you heard me: the identity of the mysterious woman in navy blue will be revealed in the next chapter O_O crazy right? I figured it was time, the story is picking up and I'm quite excited naturally. Please read and review! :D I love you all!

Reviews: Dear God, I got a ton for this chapter! THANK YOU SO MUCH! :D Free cookies for all!

WriterMonkey0626: Yes it's Sim :D I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. Thanks for the review!

FutureNovelist887: Yeah I'm pretty ominous, it's great ain't it? XD Just kidding of course… Maybe not… I guess you'll never know mwahhahahaha!

FutureNovelist887 2: Yeah I'm great at cliffies aren't I? They're a ton of fun to write but a pain and annoyance to read I apologize. Sorry for the really long update, it's totally my fault and I feel awful. The future is a lovely place my friend.

Scarlett's Fics: Wow, that review touched my heart and I'm like not even kidding. I'm liking your deductions, you could be the next Sherlock Holmes XD I'm so glad that a) you're enjoying the story and b) you love how I write! That means so much to me, you have no idea… Yeah like I was telling FutureNovelist887, I love writing cliffies but I know they're awful to read so I'm sorry about that… Doesn't mean that I will stop! XD Yes, your deductions may or may not be correct ;) Irene, Sherlock or Sim? Hmmmm… They are really good deductions how about that? You may elaborate on one after this chapter XD Thanks again!

Lovely Little Knives: Wow, another amazing review :) I am so blessed to have amazing reviewers like you guys out there! ZOMG YOU CHANGED YOUR NAME! I WAS REALLY CONFUSED FOR A FEW MINUTES THERE O_O you really have to warn me on those things… The author's notes astounded you now? Jesus, I must be good then ;D Mary being the woman would be an awesome twist, let's put it that way ;D Trust me, you're never stupid! Really? :D you were surprised to see me? Ol' Sim? XD Yeah actually you did, I wanna see it! Send me a video? Please? I love you!

Leiah7: I'm so glad that you didn't see ol' Sim coming XD Yeah between Sim, Mary, and Victoria, Watson just might have a heart attack XD just kidding of course… And yeah I saw them at my friend's house! It was amazing! Thanks for your review!

Lauren: Always happy to have new readers! :D I'm so glad that you enjoyed the story and please keep on reading! :D

A Pirate by Any Other Name: Yep that's me! XD Hoping always is good of course, it may or may not be true! XD Next chapter I promise! I love Simza too, she reminds me of myself in a weird and twisted way. Thank you for your wonderful review like always, you're amazing! :D I've missed you too!

Izzy: You're telling me! I'm actually doing pretty good lol. Thanks again buddy!

Irenelock Forever: I know how badly you want her to be Irene but just keeping wishing buddy! :D Thanks for your review!

Playlist:

Lucky - Glee Cast, Teenage Dream - Katy Perry, Castle of Glass - Linkin Park, Scorponok - Steve Jablonsky (Transformers)

Disclaimer: Yeah you hear it everytime and I hate saying it but Sherlock Holmes does not belong to me. I wish it did, I'm pretty sure I had a dream that I owned my very own Holmes and Watson, not even kidding… I'm a weird child ;) The plotline and Victoria Moriarty belong to me! XD

Enjoy like always,

Zenna :D

Sherlock Holmes: The Dark Before Dawn

The Mystery Unfolds

I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend, lucky to have been where we have been. We're lucky to be coming home again. I'm lucky I'm in love in every way, lucky to have stayed where we have stayed. We're lucky to be coming home someday.

No one could predict the future. It's a known fact, it's been proved. The future can be guessed upon or forecasted but no one could possibly know every single detail of what was coming next. It's simply not possible! The joyous occasions, the heart breaking moments, the downright crushing scenarios are all a part of life and everyone must learn to accept them. But despite all of that, shock and fear seem to be the best words to describe the future. People are shocked at what their future must hold while others seem fearful of what it may contain. As much as we don't like to admit it, it's true; everyone has been or is skeptical, fearful or shocked at their future. The future is a marvelous thing and to mess it up would be purely disastrous.

Watson was one example of said facts. When he flung open the door to the bustling Baker Street, he expected to see a usual face like Lestrade and was all set to lash out at him. However, the doctor himself was downright shocked to see who was really standing there. It was the last person he would have expected, it was Madame Simza.

The past couple of hours had just been a blur for the kind doctor. Somehow, Simza had convinced him to take a walk with her to discuss the reasons behind her visit which Watson knew were not simply friendly. He was a little distraught at the moment however as their walk slowly turned into a familiar walkway that Watson knew well. He didn't say a word but his emotions perked at the point of curiosity. Frowning, he turned to the gypsy who hadn't said a word yet since they began their walk throughout town. He opened his mouth to say something; after all, he had been the speechless one at his own house when he was first approached by Simza there. But before he could spit anything out, the gypsy herself cut him off, not realizing that he had been about to speak.

"I'm so glad I found you," she murmured. "For a moment, I was worried that I would never see you again."

Watson nodded, agreeing with her statement. He had always wondered why she had left so quickly after Holmes's funeral and now seemed like a perfect time to question her motives. She was such a peculiar person and the doctor wished he knew her better. Maybe she wouldn't have to leave England so soon now and just maybe, she could even accompany the doctor in his times of grief.

"After Holmes's funeral," he managed to choke out, it was still hard talking about his best friend like that, dead, "You bolted. What happened to you?"

Simza swallowed before answering slowly, "I realized I wasn't needed. The mission was over."

Watson frowned again, he was sure to have wrinkles after this week of non-stop action. What exactly did she mean by that? She wasn't needed? What did that mean? He must have had an awful look on his face for the gypsy chuckled and further explained herself.

"You and Holmes were my only friends here in England, I have family back home, there was no reason to stay. You had Mary, your wife, and your friends around here while Holmes -" She broke off for a minute, shuffling her feet before continuing. "Anyway, I could tell that there was no reason for me to be here any longer than to pay my respects."

Watson stopped in his tracks and faced Simza, staring into her darkening brown eyes. "You're always needed around here, Sim," he stated seriously. "The town needs you, Holmes would have needed you and I -" He coughed, the situation suddenly becoming more awkward as he stopped himself from what he really wanted to say.

Simza broke his gaze and glanced down at the ground almost shamefully, "This is not my home. I don't belong here."

Watson resumed walking though Simza was still in the lead, he didn't know where she wanted to take him. "So why did you come back?" he questioned honestly.

"Like I said," she repeated herself from earlier. "I have a case for you."

Watson shivered, the snow from earlier still in place and quavering up a draft. He wasn't sure what she knew from her year being gone and he wasn't sure how much he wanted to tell her. This wasn't her home after all; she made herself perfectly clear on that one.

"You know I don't get involved like this anymore," he chose his words carefully this time. "After Holmes -" He still couldn't say that his partner was dead even after all this time. "I was never meant to do this sort of thing anyhow."

This time, Simza halted in her spot and grabbed Watson's shoulders forcefully. She stared up at him and he felt a jolt of connection pass between them. "Doctor Watson," she said. "Listen to me." They both froze for a moment, making sure that the silence was necessary. "No matter what anyone else says," she continued just as strongly. "I know you and I know what you're capable of. I trust you before I trust anyone else in this town, dead or alive."

Watson opened his mouth to speak but the gypsy cut him off once more, "Yes even before Holmes."

"Why?" the doctor managed to blurt out, just as curious as she was. He wasn't exactly the perfect model for anything, why Simza would trust him this much confused him. He wasn't a great detective, he was a lousy husband and now he was all alone. He couldn't let this opportunity pass him by.

"After all we went through together, I know things," Simza explained cautiously. "I am a gypsy remember?"

Watson gave a small smile and chuckled, "So what's the case?"

"I knew you couldn't refuse," smirked Simza as she yanked on the doctor's coat and dragged him to a stop in front of the London Cemetery.

"Why are we here?" asked Watson, feeling a bit apprehensive. He hadn't really had too many fond memories in this place and the times he was here before weren't exactly pleasant trips. Most of them involving Holmes and his schemes…

Simza didn't quite answer his question; she shrugged and responded with a casual, "I think this one might interest you," before heading inside, not looking back to see if he was following or not. Of course, he did; how could he not after that?

As Watson jogged to catch up to the gypsy, she smiled at his approach. Both of them didn't say a word but they both knew that the feeling of friendship was nice to have once again. "It's probably better if I just show you," she commented before pulling him once more to an empty lot in the local cemetery. They faced a solid black casket with the lid open and Simza narrowed her eyes as she examined it. It seemed to the doctor that she had been here once before from the looks of things. He glanced at his companion and raised a questioning eyebrow. The most peculiar thing about this casket however was that there was no body inside.

"An empty casket?" Watson asked. "What's that have to do with anything? Whose is it, or whose was it supposed to be for? Was the body stolen or just missing?"

Simza held up her hands in the surrender position and stifled a chuckle of laughter. "Calm down Doctor before you send yourself into cardiac arrest," she said with a smirk. "I'll answer any questions you may have after I tell my story got it?" She took his silence as a way to begin and she did. "I was back home in France when my cousin who currently resides in London approached our camp saying that he needed to speak with me urgently. I was surprised to see him yes, but mostly I was concerned with his tone of voice. He told me about the murder of your wife and he knew of our friendship from the stories I shared about our adventure together. And here I am in London, looking for you."

Watson gritted his teeth together, "Yes, news travels fast doesn't it?" It wasn't even a question, it was more of a forced statement and anyone could see how much this man must be grieving.

"I am so sorry John," she said softly, taking Watson's hand. "Truly I am." Watson looked down startled by the gypsy's kind gesture. She had never called him by his first name before and he froze in place, not really knowing what to say.

Simza took a deep breath to catch some air before continuing, "After my train ride here, I was walking past the cemetery to get to your house, after I asked the local patient in your hospital where it was of course. There, I overheard some of your policemen - oh I don't know what you call them -"

Watson interrupted her, "Lestrade."

"Yes, your Lestrades then?"

Watson chortled quietly for a second, not being able to help himself. He had mentioned the inspector's name only to himself, he really hadn't meant to confuse the gypsy. "No sorry," he corrected quickly. "The head policeman's name is Lestrade, my apologies."

Simza didn't look affected by anything he said, just gave the doctor a small smile. "Sorry," she spoke. "Anyway, they were talking about the missing body and I was instantly attracted to the conversation. After my adventure with you and Holmes, any sort of a mystery gets me excited; it seems I was never cut out for a normal relaxing life."

"I don't think any of us were," put in Watson, earning a chuckle from both of them.

"When I found out who the missing body was, I knew I had to tell you," Simza finished, producing another frown from the doctor.

"So who is it?" questioned Watson.

Simza threw down the lid of the casket to show the doctor and Watson's mouth dropped open in surprise, this was not what he was expecting. The top of the casket was still shiny with a few fingerprints from the policeman and inspectors but the gold engravings were still clearly visible and there was no mistaking whom the coffin belonged to.

"My God," Watson spit out, taking a step backwards in shock.

Written on the top of the casket was "In Loving Memory of Irene Adler."

"The police may think someone has stolen her body but with some thinking and sleuthing of my own, I don't think there was ever a body to begin with," Simza reported. Watson barely heard her however, he was still processing what had just happened in his mind. Was Irene… alive?

Simza was still talking nonetheless, "The funeral is set for Sunday right? So that's why the casket isn't buried yet correct?"

Watson could barely nod in response.

"So someone happened to open the casket and realize the missing body," Simza persisted. "However, there's no footprints in the surrounding sand and dirt leading away from the graveyard and the casket itself shows no fingerprints on the edges that I can see, signaling that it was barely touched."

Watson peered at the gypsy as if seeing her with new eyes. She paused before sweeping on, "She's alive Doctor Watson and you know what that means."

She's alive.

She's alive.

Irene's alive.

Irene Adler's alive.

The words kept repeating themselves in Watson's brain before he finally grasped the subject. He gasped and stumbled backwards as the words themselves impacted him with a bang. "You're a better detective than I would have imagined," Watson breathed heavily, clutching his chest.

"I've learned from the best," Simza grinned, nudging the doctor in the side.

"Irene's alive then," Watson repeated, "and she's been hiding out this whole time, God knows where. So she probably doesn't know about -" He broke off, his mind racing and then he swore, "Damn."

"What?" Simza questioned, her eyes sparkling with excitement at the thought of another mystery. "This should be good news! All we have to do is find her, she's alive after all."

"Sim, Holmes was in love with her and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual."

"So she doesn't know then?" Simza began to understand the doctor's frantic panic attacks. "About the Falls? About anything since her supposed death?"

The doctor shook his head, "No, she would have escaped the country to hide out until it was safe to return. She must have supposed a year would have been long enough." He hesitated for an instant before carrying forth, "I'm not sure I want to be the one to tell her what she's missed."

Simza saw the hurt flashing in his eyes and touched his arm comfortingly, "Better us than someone else though." Watson wasn't sure if the gypsy knew about Victoria but he wasn't going to bring it up now, she was the first one who flitted into his thoughts and he had a sudden urge. Leaping to his feet, he realized how desperate he was to find Irene and let her know before Victoria did. Thinking of the villain got his brain delusional, or so he convinced himself. A flash of black caught the corner of his eye and he whipped his head around to stare at the surrounding gravestones and bare trees. There was nothing there but he could have sworn he saw - He shook his head, it couldn't have been her, could it?

"What was that?" he spoke aloud in case Simza saw the same thing.

Simza scrutinized his looks, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," he responded with a sigh. "I just thought I saw - never mind."

As the doctor trailed off and headed out of the graveyard with his new companion, defeat was not something he should have accepted so fast. After all, if he had looked a bit further, he might have seen that his flash of black was not his mind playing tricks on him… it was in fact a flash of black hair. If only Watson had realized what it meant in time, he could have saved the world from another bout of depression.

Author's Note: Well on that ominous note… Lol sorry about that, it's short and it's crappy I know but I had to write something and at the time I was writing it, it honestly sounded good. Honestly, I promise it did… Re-reading it however, I was like eh not so much. But whatever, please bear with me and I promise to update soon! Let me know what you thought in a review :D